(Temporomandibular joint) is the joint that allows the jaw to open and close and is located just in front of the ear. It occurs when the lower jaw bone fits into the space in the temporal bone in the skull. Direct contact of these two structures is prevented by the articular disc in the cartilaginous structure.
JAW JOINT DISORDERS
Usually, displacement of this disc occurs. It occurs as a result of disruption of harmony in the joint area due to damage or damage. This disorder is observed in most of the society, especially in women.
GENERAL SYMPTOMS of jaw joint disorders:
Opening the mouth and pain during chewing
Joint sounds coming from the joint area when opening and closing the mouth (clicking sound, etc.)
Feeling of fatigue in the jaw (especially when waking up in the morning and/or while chewing something)
Frequent headache
Restricted opening of the mouth or locking (inability to open the mouth) and shifting of the jaw when the mouth is fully opened (deviation, deflection)
Ringing in the ears, buzzing sounds and a feeling of congestion and fullness originating from the jaw joint area (may be confused with earache by the patient)
The sensation of the teeth not closing equally on the right and left sides of the jaw and changing closure
Asymmetrical appearance on the face and head and neck muscle pain as a result of the effects of the disorder on the surrounding muscles
The CAUSE of this disorder is multifactorial (more than one):
The most common of these is teeth. It is the habit of squeezing and grinding (bruxism). This habit causes more force to be transmitted to the jaw joint, as well as to the teeth and surrounding tissues, than the tissues can withstand. ur. These destructive forces lead to displacements and degenerations in the joint area, especially in the joint disc.
Traumas to the jaw and jaw joint. (traffic accidents, direct blows to the jaw, etc.)
Situations that prevent balanced closure of the teeth: tooth deficiencies, poorly adapted teeth/ presence of restorations, orthodontic disorders (advanced crowding of teeth)and one-sided eating habits
Occlusal parafunctions ( nail biting, pen biting, standing in the wrong posture, etc.)
Joint disorders that cause degeneration in the jaw joint
DIAGNOSIS
It is usually made by a detailed examination by a specialist physician. The physician during the examination; It checks the chewing muscles, jaw joint, surfaces and closure of the teeth, the marks observed on the tongue and cheeks, joint movements during jaw opening, and whether there is any slippage (deviation/deflection) in the jaw during full opening. In some cases, additional imaging methods (such as MRI, tomography) are required.
TREATMENT of the disorder is usually performed multidisciplinary. Treatment options include educating patients about their disorders and prevention program training, use of oral appliances (occlusal splints), physical therapy (exercise and manipulation), drug therapy, psychological support treatments in the presence of stress. and when necessary, surgical treatments.
INTRAORAL APPLIANCES (occlusal splints), which play an important role in reducing and balancing the loads in the joint area, are widely used in the treatment of this disorder. . The treatment process takes place with regular checks and surface adjustments of the splints for at least 6 months. In the presence of dental deficiencies and crowding, these problems are resolved as a result of the treatment (orthodontic or prosthetic arrangements) and the recurrence of complaints is prevented.
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